Polica - Give You The Ghost - Totally Gross National Product / POLICA

They may qualify as newcomers, but the Minneapolis band Polica has already captured some keen ears as interest intensifies surrounding their first album, Give You The Ghost. An official release of their debut is slated for Valentine’s Day, yet their songs have been making the rounds on the internet since late last year. Some of the interest stems from Polica’s relation to the indie soft rock outfit Gayngs. Ryan Olson, founder of Gayngs, produced Give You The Ghost, and vocalist Channy Leaneagh was rotating member of Gayngs as well. Other notable touch points on the album include a guest appearance by Mike Noyce of Bon Iver (another member of Gayngs) and Jim Eno of Spoon who also helped produced the album.

Despite all the musical connections that do exist within Polica, it’s fair to say that none of them really matter that much because these songs captivate independently. Before you can even dive into what’s being sung, you’re drawn into the ambiance of their music. The dynamics of the band are compelling. They present two drummers, Ben Ivascu and Drew Christopherson, who control the mood on songs like “Violent Games”. Heavy, groovy bass lines on songs like “Wandering Star” are courtesy of Chris Bierden. And with her vocals drenched in auto-tune and reverb, Channy is a star on Give You The Ghost. The use of auto-tune can often bring some negative connotations, but rest assured she manipulates the tool more than it does her. She’s irresistible on standouts like “Dark Star” and the album closer “Leading to Death.”

Perhaps the biggest plus for Polica is that they appeal on such a variety of levels. You can’t discount them as simply an ‘electronic’ band. Electronica plays a part on Give You The Ghost, but these songs take tangents into worlds of R&B, rock and psychedelic. As a listener you find areas of comfort on this album, yet all the while you find your curiosity challenged. Give You The Ghost really is a remarkable start for a band that already is fast out of the gate.